International students gain employment and experience with RMIT industry partners

International students gain employment and experience with RMIT industry partners

Attending the Melbourne International Student Week Industry Fair in May has led to skill-building jobs with Accor Hotels Group for several RMIT international students.

Early last month, during the inaugural Melbourne International Student Week, RMIT hosted an exclusive industry fair for international students.  

Students had the chance to leave their details and resume with employers from diverse industries who presented opportunities from volunteering to casual and part-time roles. 

RMIT’s partnership with Accor Hotel Group – comprising of Sofitel, Pullman and Mercure Hotels, among other global hospitality brands – proved to be a huge success with many students commencing work at Accor’s Melbourne hotels within weeks of the fair.  

Keily McCarthy, Talent and Culture Manager at Pullman Melbourne on Swanston and Mercure Welcome Melbourne, spoke on how the team have missed international students in the past couple of years.  

“International students have always been a massive part of our employee body; we've missed them a lot” she said. 

Across three Accor hotels in Melbourne, students were placed in a range of roles to suit their needs and availability.

Anne List, Talent and Culture Manager at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, commented that the types of roles students are placed in vary from student to student.

We have a range of roles we can offer students; they decide what hotel, role and hours suit their needs best.
employer Anne List giving thumbs up to two students Anne List interacting with students at the MISW Industry Fair.

Once onboard, students commenced their training and dived into their new roles. 

International student Aaron Mathews explained some of the benefits he’s already gained from his experience with Accor so far.

“Working as a Guest Service Agent is helping me gain confidence in communicating with other individuals and expressing myself,” he said.

Similarly, Preeti Goel has been enjoying her new role and the positives that have come with it.

I have been enjoying the sense of independence and individuality that comes with working part-time.

Students’ work ethic and performance in their new roles hasn’t gone unnoticed. 

Keily McCarthy is impressed with the level of professionalism students have shown.

“Students have been quite professional and conducted themselves really well, the feedback that's coming back for them is amazing,” she said.

 

Are you an international student looking for casual or part-time work? The friendly team at the Job Shop can help you find and apply for jobs, refine your resume, prepare for interviews and more. To find out about upcoming career and industry fairs, view Events on RMIT CareerHub.

The MISW Industry Fair was made possible by funding from the Victorian Government through Study Melbourne.

Words by Alex Stellini

22 June 2022

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